The US Senate has voted to dismiss impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, sparing him from a trial in the chamber. This marks a significant moment, as it’s only the second time in US history and the first time in almost 150 years that the Senate has considered impeaching a cabinet secretary.
Had two-thirds of the chamber approved, Mayorkas would have been removed from office. The accusations against him included the refusal to enforce immigration law and breaching “the public trust” by allegedly making false statements during congressional testimony.
In Wednesday’s near-party line votes, senators dismissed the two articles of impeachment filed by the House two months ago. The Department of Homeland Security welcomed the outcome, stating that the vote proves there was insufficient evidence or Constitutional grounds to justify impeachment.